New school bus for Buff Bay Primary School

The Buff Bay Primary School in Portland, late last week, received a 29-seater school bus funded by the Japanese government. The bus was handed over by Japanese ambassador to Jamaica, Hiromasa Yamazaki under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects. Member of Parliament for West Portland Daryl Vaz also contributed to the purchase of the bus.

Ambassador Yamazaki said that the US$67,515 grant funds to purchase the bus were made available in February this year.

"This is to provide a much- needed transportation system for the school, " he said.

"We would like to expand the Grass-Roots programme, and having recognised the dire need, the people of Japan took the decision to assist with this project.

"Thanks to Minister Vaz for his involvement and partnership, and I urge students to continue to perform well in school. We look forward to future partnerships like this one, " he added.

Buff Bay Primary has a student population of approximately 650 students. The institution has been ranked among the top-performing schools in the former school leaving exam, the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), in the island by the Ministry of Education. GSAT has now been replaced by the Primary Exit Profile (PEP).

Also speaking at the handover, Vaz said that more partnerships are important to fostering growth and development in a society, where government is unable to respond immediately to the growing needs of every community.

Alliance

"Today marks an important alliance between the people of Japan and the National Education Trust," commented Vaz.

He continued: "This is a partnership of importance and is geared at providing needy assistance to the school. Partnerships such as this are very important and are more beneficial to us and should be carefully nurtured. We are grateful for the grant of US$67,515, which was provided by the government of Japan for the purchase of a school bus from Toyota Jamaica."